Miles-blogging #8: Oi, Laughing Boy

 
Miles was six months old on 4 February, and we celebrated with his first visit to London. He had a long day and stayed remarkably good-tempered throughout, and capped it all with his first visit to the Tun which he definitely enjoyed: he always has a good laugh when meeting new people, especially like-minded science fiction fans who share his taste for Lois McMaster Bujold.

Sprog's Masterclass: Miles can pick up just about anything now, and he's figuring out very well how to coordinate his hands (though bashing out an improvised piece on the piano is more his musical forté). If he drops a bottle of milk he'll pick it up, pass it from hand to hand, top over bottom, until the business end is pointing in the right direction and he finally puts the teat back in his mouth. When we first saw him do this we were somewhat amazed as he'd figured out everything for himself, we hadn't shown him how to do it. His favourite toys are currently those that provide a mixture of sounds and textures, and an unopened packet of crisps (cheese and onion, of course) can keep him entertained for a good hour.

The last six months have gone by remarkably quickly. Benji has quit work as an aircraft engineer with Cathay so she can be a domestic engineer instead for a few years. I don't mind the sleepless nights (I'm used to those anyway with the day job) and we share 50/50 everything about looking after this funny, charming boy. Right now he's the only child we want, and this is really beginning to feel like a family.